The Complete Guide To Using Heat Treatment For Bed Bug Eradication

Does Heat Kill Bedbugs?

While insecticides have become less effective at killing bedbugs, heat has remained exceptionally effective. It works great because bedbugs cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. Furthermore, heat treatments provide an array of other benefits compared to insecticides.

In general, bedbugs will die when they’re exposed to temperatures of 113 degrees or higher. Most professionals prefer using 120 degrees to ensure that the bedbugs are safely eliminated. Regardless, heat can effectively kill bedbugs.

Heat Treatment Methods

Homeowners have several options to choose from. For instance, they have the ability to call a professional exterminator. Ultimately, this tends to be the best choice when dealing with a full-blown infestation. Alternatively, you can use your dryer to kill bedbugs on clothes and other linens.

Consider the methods below or use a combination for the best results.

Professional Heat Treatments

Once someone has realized that their home is infested with bedbugs, it’s time to take drastic measures to rectify the problem. Hiring a professional pest management company is probably the best choice. Local pest control companies may use pesticides to eliminate bedbugs. However, it’s always best to ask for heat treatments.

Start by calling several pest control companies in your area. Ask them about their services and ask for quotes. You can also use the Internet to learn more about your local pest control companies. Once you’ve found a suitable company, you must prepare your home for the professional’s arrival. In general, you don’t need to do much.

Usually, the professional will ask the client to move all furniture at least three feet from the walls. Items that could be impacted by heat should be removed and placed in a safe area. It’s a good idea to space out the clothes in your closet to ensure the heat can circulate properly.

Any flammable items should be placed elsewhere. Remember that you cannot be in the home when the treatment is ongoing. It’s best to leave your home so the professional can take care of the issue for you. Usually, it’ll take a few hours before you can return.

Using Your Washer And Dryer

Using your washer and dryer is another good way to eliminate bedbugs. Just remember that this technique will only work well for small infestations. When you return from a trip, you may want to wash your clothes. This is a good way to eliminate any bedbugs that may be clinging to your clothes.

Start by washing any clothes you’ve worn. To avoid problems, it might be a good idea to do this at a Laundromat. Doing so is a good way to ensure that bedbugs do not sneak into your home. Once you’ve finished washing your clothes, it’s time to dry them.

Your dryer should be set to a temperature of 120 degrees. This is hot enough to eliminate the bugs without issue. You can use your washing machine and dryer to eliminate clothing, towels, sheets, rugs, tablecloths, and blankets.

Other Heating Methods

You can try other heating methods too. You may have purchased a secondhand toy or t-shirt. If this is the case, there’s a risk that the item contains bedbugs. You can easily get rid of bedbugs by using a plastic garbage bag and the sun’s rays. Place your shoes, a toy, or something else inside a black plastic bag. Then, you should place the bag outside in the sun.

The temperature should reach 120 degrees inside the bag. Leave the bag outside for at least seven hours. The only issue here is that the temperature has to be hot outside. If it is cold, this method is not going to work.

Use A Portable Heating Device

In some cases, you may be able to use a portable heating device to eliminate bedbugs. Usually, this method works well for treating small items such as shirts, shoes, or toys. The item will be placed inside a bag. Then, the heating device will be plugged into an electric outlet.

The interior will begin heating up. When 120 degrees is reached, the bugs will begin dying. One issue with this method is that portable heating devices can be expensive. Plus, they’re not going to eliminate all bedbugs in a dwelling. Still, this is a suitable method for treating small items.

Use A Steamer

Finally, consumers have the option of using a steamer to eliminate bedbugs. Bedbugs cannot tolerate heat and will die when they’re exposed to 120-degree temperatures. Therefore, you need to choose a steamer that can reach those temperatures. Then, you can plug up the steamer and use it to eliminate bugs around your home. Usually, this method will effectively kill bedbugs hiding on furniture, curtains, clothes, and more.

You can also use it to kill bugs around your bed. Just be careful that your belongings do not get too wet. When you begin cleaning curtains, make sure that you start at the top and move downward. Do not try to use a carpet steamer because it will not get hot enough to do the trick.

Renting Heat Machines

Finally, homeowners may want to consider renting a heat machine. This is best for people who prefer doing things themselves. Usually, the machines are simple so you’ll be able to figure them out with ease. Nevertheless, there are some problems involved. After all, there is always a risk that you’re going to mess something up along the way.

If you do, there’s a chance that you’ll damage items in your home. Alternatively, you may not use appropriate temperatures and the bugs may survive. Hiring a professional tends to be the best choice although it is up to each consumer to choose a solution.

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